Non-stick properties of thin-film coatings on dental-restorative instruments.

The non-stick properties of thin-film coatings on dental-restorative instruments were investigated by static contact-angle measurement using dental filler resin as well as by scanning electron microscopy of the amount of sticking dental restorative material. Furthermore, using a customized dipping measurement set-up, non-stick properties were evaluated by measuring force-by-time when the instrument was pulled out of restorative material. Minor improvements in non-stick properties were obtained with commercial diamond-like carbon and commercial polytetrafluoroethylene-based coatings.